About the Author

Lori Palatnik is a writer and Jewish educator who has appeared on television and radio. She is the Founding Director of The Jewish Women's Renaissance Project, an international initiative that brings thousands of women to Israel each year from 18 different countries on highly subsidized programs to inspire them with the beauty and wisdom of their heritage (www.jwrp.org). She is a much sought-after international speaker, having lectured in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, U.K., Central America, South America, South Africa and Israel, including featured talks at Yale, Brown and Penn. She lives in the Washington, D.C. area with her husband, Rabbi Yaakov Palatnik, and is the busy mother of five children, ages 25 to 15.

The opinions expressed in the comment section are the personal views of the commenters. Comments are moderated, so please keep it civil.

Visitor Comments: 24

(24)
Anonymous,
April 22, 2013 4:34 AM

This is an encouraging message also for those who wish to convert to Judaism , because we are often warned by others that converts will be made to feel like a second class citizen , or not even seen as Jewish, even if you are observant and sincere. The message demonstrates that on a personal level, people do appreciate the convert's effort and sincerity.It is always interesting to read about the non-Jewish spouse wanting to become an observant Jew and her non-Jewish family being very supportive, but the Jewish side oh the family and the husband not being too enthusiastic about it. It seems to be quite common. But it also has good outcomes for the whole family. Thank you for another great story.

(23)
billy kirwan,
August 31, 2010 5:00 PM

I love your stories

I just listened to Mazel Tov and was blessed. Your series is so informative.

(22)
Anonymous,
August 29, 2010 8:36 PM

mazel tov / class info

Mazel tov to Leah! wonderful story! And, is it possible to get info about taking one of Lori's on-line classes?! Please!!!

(21)
Marcos (Brazil),
August 3, 2010 3:07 AM

Mazal Tov, Leah!!!

Leah, I wish you a fortunate life, great health, strong marriage, great friends and an enlightened path into Judaism to you and all your family.
Mazal Tov!!!

(20)
TMay,
July 29, 2010 8:30 PM

Post the info please.

Perhaps Lori can add the info about her classes to her biography if Aish allows it, as it is news to me.
I know the Chabad children who live here are home schooled, and they have classes on the internet for the Chabad children around the world so that their classmates are in Argentina and England and all over the world.
They have cameras on their computers so that the teacher can see them and once there was a problem with a computer and the little girl took the camera and pointed it at her keyboard and showed the adults how to solve the problem. They can fly to visit each other on holidays.
So while everyone talks about education in the future, Chabad is at the cutting edge. The important thing is to fight for keeping the option of home schooling alive because it is being outlawed in Europe and seen as child abuse, and religious communities are feeling more and more pressed by what is being taught and not taught in the schools, and even who can be accepted into programs here in the US which have licensing at the end, because they are not PC. When the law courts were in England the equity system grew up as an alternative. Then the legal system absorbed the law of equity.Similarly in Judaism there was tension between the Hasids and the Mitnagim. (I don't particularly like that term) but they worked it out.
Granted not having a camera has an aspect of liberation. Afterall Judaism is about "hearing" more than seeing.

(19)
Carl Marinus,
July 29, 2010 9:03 AM

Mazol Tov

Toda raba for a wonderful message.I am wanting to convert for some time.This is truely anspiration to me as well.We all have a little Torah and the Almighty shows us signs..and i have finally made a commitment to take my journey to the next level.
Lori, toda raba...u are truely Blessed.
L’shalom
Carl

(18)
Elianna,
July 28, 2010 3:53 PM

Thank you for sharing

Thank you for sharing this beautiful story! As a new convert, I understand the joy of feeling that you are finally home. Blessing to you.

Her story sounds a lot like mine except I'm not married nor am I pregnant but the story is the same. That desire, that spark, discovering a Jewish past you never knew about, all of it. It's all the same.

(15)
David S. Levine,
July 28, 2010 2:07 AM

Admire This Woman

John F. Kennedy set a goal for America to reach the moon, "not because it is easy bet because it is hard." Anyone who converts to Judaism the Orthodox way and keeps the commandments is someone to be admired for that very reason. The comedian Buddy Hackett once said to a convert in his audience about her and other converts, "They're better Jews than us," and how right he was. They are beacons of light to the rest of the Jewish people.
Welcome Leah!

(14)
Jane,
July 27, 2010 9:42 PM

Good story for this week

I think I may buy myself a gift this week due to the parsha concering converts. I converted many years ago, with my official date Sept. 12, 1992. It was a long journey. It has been the love of my life. Being Jewish has saved my life. There are too many details to share here. I am not aware of any Jews in my family, but I felt chosen by HaShem, and it only took me 28 years to make it official. LOL It took me more than 20 years to realize G-d was inviting me to become a Chosen one. Leah's journey was so special, and I hope she feels blessed that her path was different. Being unique is a nice feeling. When HaShem works so hard to open your eyes, the view is so very awesome. Thank you for sharing this wonderful story about Leah.

(13)
Dena,
July 27, 2010 9:27 PM

Thank you!

Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful story.
Mazel tov to Leah and much continued hatzlacha on your amazing journey!

(12)
Anonymous,
July 27, 2010 8:03 PM

Is it possible to have subtitles (or an accompanying text) with all the videos for people who have some hearing problems ? I enjoy Aish.com articles and I would like to understand the videos fully. Thank you very much for your attention. Eliane

(11)
,
July 27, 2010 7:20 PM

This kind of story always gives me hope. I am converting although I am single and want to convert for myself. There was one Jewish man, as far as I know, and he married a non-Jewish woman. To make a long story short, what got handed down was the soaking and salting. I was much more interested in the real "meat" of the religion/tradition and started buying books. Some books are lost but I have been lucky in that when I have ordered a book, it would come in the mail right before a holy day so that I could study and have more knowledge. JPS, Artscroll, and even Doubleday (outside their usual format from a different vendor) but it got to me just in time just the same. I can't ever get into the live chats but I try to get to them as I can. There is so much to study... more books, more study and I love it. Thank you Lori for this audio/video that shines a light on conversion as a good thing.

(10)
Chaya Almost Dead,
July 27, 2010 6:09 PM

What's the big deal?

We feel so very grateful when someone who isn't born Jewish "validates" our way of life by converting. Why?
It's a privilege to be a Torah observant Jew. Any straight-thinking person would convert. Why all the kudos to converts?
Congratulations, Leah, on making a good choice for yourself and your family.

(9)
Sherri,
July 27, 2010 5:33 PM

Sweeter than sweet!

(8)
Elizabeth,
July 27, 2010 4:36 PM

THANK YOU LORI

For sharing Leah's story...so wonderful and inspiring and encouraging to me. Blessings to all!
Elizabeth

(7)
Anonymous,
July 27, 2010 3:01 PM

cCasses

How can one participate in the internet teaching that was mentioned in this video? Thank You

(6)
Anonymous,
July 26, 2010 10:03 PM

girl married had child in two weeks

inspirational

(5)
Anonymous,
July 26, 2010 2:14 PM

TO LORI AND LEAH

WOW this story is so inspiring!!! Thank you for sharing and may you see only nachas from your little one!!!

(4)
Chana Miriam Zelasko,
July 26, 2010 6:51 AM

Baruch HaShem

May Hashem continue to watch over you.

(3)
Leah,
July 25, 2010 9:06 PM

Thank you Lori

Lori, it has been such a blessing to become one of your student. Through this entire journey, you were there, giving me sound advice and reminding me that Hashem was with me. I enjoy and thank Hashem for every second of my life as a jewish woman, as a wife and as a mother. Thank you for everything you have done for me, and for sharing wisdom every week with us. Please G-d we will meet soon!
Leah

(2)
Leah,
July 25, 2010 3:29 PM

WOW!

what an amzing story!!
i am so inspired!!

(1)
Inbar,
July 25, 2010 10:50 AM

Mazal tov!

Such a wonderful story!
Leah, you have really been blessed by Hashem! I wish for you and your family that you will always experience Hashems closeness to you, and that you will receive many more of Hashems blessings in future!
Kol toev,
Inbar